Wellington has declared a state of emergency after the city experienced its heaviest rainfall on record, prompting evacuations and widespread flooding. Mayor Andrew Little described the overnight downpour as unprecedented, with 77mm of rain falling in less than an hour, overwhelming the stormwater system.
Residents in low-lying areas were ordered to evacuate as flash floods and landslides closed roads. Emergency crews responded to over 150 weather-related callouts, including flooding inside homes and landslides in suburbs such as Newtown, Island Bay, and Kingston. Fire and Emergency New Zealand activated its regional coordination centre to manage the response.
Mayor Little urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stating, 'This is a day to be really careful.' The heavy rain warning remains in place until Tuesday night, with meteorologists warning of dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, and hazardous driving conditions that could isolate communities.
A search is under way for a missing man in the suburb of Karori, last seen near a flooded property. Authorities have warned against walking, swimming, or driving through floodwater, emphasising the risk to life and to rescuers.
Dr Emily Lane, chief scientist at Earth Sciences NZ, attributed the intense rainfall to climate change, noting that such short, localised events are expected to increase. The state of emergency grants responders the powers needed to coordinate evacuations and manage impacts across the region.
